Aqua Metals Eyes U.S. Site for Commercial Lithium Recycling Plant, Finalizes Engineering Plans
Aqua Metals is selecting a preferred U.S. site for its commercial lithium recycling plant and has finalized engineering plans to support project financing. Its Innovation Center logged over 5,000 operating hours, produced battery-grade lithium carbonate from NMC and LFP, achieved 99.8% pure manganese sulfate, and cancelled the Lion Energy acquisition.
1. Commercialization Progress
During Q1 2026, Aqua Metals narrowed its shortlist of U.S. locations for its first commercial lithium recycling plant, focusing on feedstock proximity, logistics infrastructure and operating cost advantages. The company completed engineering definitions, plant configuration and capital requirement analysis to underpin future project financing and construction readiness.
2. Innovation Center Milestones
The Innovation Center and demonstration plant surpassed 5,000 cumulative operating hours across multi-feedstock campaigns. Technical achievements included production of battery-grade lithium carbonate from NMC and LFP feedstocks and manganese sulfate at 99.8% purity, validating AquaRefining™ capabilities.
3. Strategic Transactions Update
Aqua Metals determined the proposed February term sheet to acquire Lion Energy no longer aligned with its capital structure objectives and formally cancelled the transaction. The company is evaluating alternative, capital-efficient structures to integrate energy storage assets into its domestic battery materials platform.